Prayers and Liturgies in Catholic, Buddhist and Muslim
An intensive one-day inter-religious dialogue and exchange programme for Scouts and Girl Guides, Scouters, and Guiders in Hong Kong was held on Saturday, 7 December 2024. By exploring the history, traditions, and prayer practices of these different religions in depth, the event broadened participants’ perspectives of different religions and enhanced understanding, respect, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence among faiths.
The first stop of the event was a visit to Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre in Wanchai, Hong Kong Island. Participants were welcomed by Imam Uthman Yang of the Islamic Centre. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the history, culture, architecture, and customs of Islam, with a particular focus on Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Imam Yang provided a detailed explanation of Salah, the formal worship practice in Islam that includes a series of ritual prayers performed at prescribed times each day. During the visit, participants also tasted Halal food at the Islamic Centre, which enhanced their understanding of the significance of Islamic dietary practices. The Halal lunch was not only a cultural experience but also a gesture of respect for faith and an opportunity for interfaith exchange.
Next, participants visited the Yuantong Temple in Kam Tin, New Territories, where they listened to Ven. Dao-yuan’s introduction to the history and architecture of the temple. Participants then engaged in outdoor Zen meditation practice under Ven. Dao-yuan’s guidance, learned to appreciate the “silence” of nature through mindful breathing. Zen meditation promotes calmness, focus, creativity, and physical well-being through sitting meditation and quiet awareness. This experience not only fostered personal spiritual tranquillity but also deepened their understanding of Buddhist meditation culture.
The final stop was a visit to Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Kowloon, where conservation architect Rev. Deacon Faustus Lam, a permanent deacon of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, introduced the architectural design of Catholic churches and buildings. Participants gained insights into the aesthetics and significance of religious architecture. Following this, Rev. Father Denis Kong, S.D.B., the parish priest, explained the concept of
Healing Prayer in Catholicism. He then led the participants in Eucharistic adoration and the blessing of the Eucharist, allowing them to experience a key aspect of Catholic faith practice.
The interreligious exchange activities of the day were rich in content and offered participants a meaningful and extraordinary experience. By visiting three different religious sites, participants not only deepened their understanding of various religions but also attained an appreciation for diverse beliefs, architectural styles, cultures, and methods of prayer. This experience helped promote interreligious understanding and cooperation. Additionally, participants explored how different prayers and liturgical practices could be integrated into Scout activities and programmes. These activities significantly contributed to building a harmonious society.